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Myrtle-leaved milkwort
Polygala myrtifolia · Polygalaceae
📷 Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around myrtle-leaved milkwort and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 2.5 m in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- From -5 °C (temperate to mild climate)
- Origin
- South Africa
- Soil type
- Well-draining, light to moderately fertile
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrosez régulièrement en période de croissance (printemps-été) mais laissez le substrat sécher légèrement entre deux apports : le Polygala déteste l'humidité stagnante. En pot, utilisez un terreau très drainant (ajoutez 30% de perlite ou pouzzolane) et percez bien le fond du pot.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers tue cette plante par excès d'eau, particulièrement en hiver. Même si elle reste verte, l'engorgement du sol provoque rapidement la pourriture des racines et la chute des feuilles.
The pro's trick
Pincez régulièrement les jeunes tiges (tous les 20-30 cm de croissance) pour forcer l'apparition de ramifications latérales et obtenir un port dense et florifère au lieu d'une silhouette filiforme et clairsemée.
Seasonal watch
En automne-hiver, réduisez drastiquement les arrosages et placez la plante en lumière maximale : c'est souvent à cette période que l'humidité excessive associée au manque de lumière provoque le dépérissement. Attention aussi aux cochenilles farineuses qui adorent cette espèce en intérieur chauffé.
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer) keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. In autumn and winter, reduce watering. Avoid excess moisture which promotes root rot.
Exposure
Place your Polygala in full sun or partial shade for generous flowering. An exposure with at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day guarantees the best development and better blooms.
Soil
Choose well-draining soil, slightly acidic to neutral. Enrich the substrate with potting soil and coarse sand to improve drainage. Soil that is too compact or chalky can hinder growth.
Pruning and shaping
Prune after flowering (July-August) to maintain a compact and harmonious shape. Remove dead or diseased branches. Light maintenance pruning promotes branching and more abundant flowering next season.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer or one slightly rich in phosphorus in spring and early summer, every 3 to 4 weeks. Stop feeding from August onwards to prevent soft growth in winter.
Diseases and pests
Polygala is generally robust. Watch for scale insects and spider mites in dry conditions. Excess moisture can cause root rot or fungal issues: ensure excellent drainage and good air circulation.
Did you know?
Polygala myrtifolia is called "Polygale" in reference to its botanical peculiarity: the name comes from the Greek "poly" (many) and "gala" (milk), as it was once thought that the plant increased milk production in animals. Its bicolored flowers, often pink and mauve, also inspired ornamental uses in Mediterranean gardens since the 19th century.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Common milkwortPolygala vulgaris
- Polygala serpyllifoliaPolygala serpyllifolia
- Polygaloides chamaebuxusPolygaloides chamaebuxus
- Tufted milkwortPolygala comosa
- Polygala amarellaPolygala amarella
- Chalk milkwortPolygala calcarea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.